Fallen nurse Suzie Smith was honored with a final flight from Sacramento to Red Bluff. Smith died after a helicopter crash on Highway 50 last week.
RED BLUFF, Calif — A community came together on Sunday to honor the life and legacy of flight nurse Suzie Smith, who died after last week’s medical helicopter crash in Sacramento.
The crash occurred along Highway 50 in Sacramento on Mon, Oct 6. Smith, 67, was one of three crew members aboard the helicopter. She died days later at UC Davis Medical Center. The two other crew members survived with critical injuries. Officials confirmed that no other cars or people on the ground were injured, and the helicopter had just delivered a patient safely before the crash occurred.
According to REACH Air Medical Services, Smith’s colleagues honored her with a final flight on Sunday afternoon — a special procession organized in partnership with her family. The flight departed Sacramento at about 1 p.m. and landed in Red Bluff around 2 p.m.
From there, Smith was transported by ground ambulance to Palo Cedro, accompanied by her immediate family and a procession of emergency medical service and law enforcement vehicles. Along highway overpasses and rural roads, people lined the route holding flags, signs and flowers — a simple yet powerful tribute to a woman who dedicated her life to helping others.
The family advised the public to safely stage along the route, which followed Interstate 5 north from Red Bluff to State Route 44 east in the Redding area, then south on Deschutes Road to Allen and Dahl Funeral Home in Palo Cedro.
Loved ones describe Smith as a devoted nurse, a woman of faith, and a friend who never hesitated to help those in need.
Her son, Gabriel Smith, shared a heartfelt message about his mother’s passing:
“It’s with a heavy heart that I write this message. I got to hold my mother while she passed last night, but her legacy is far from over.
In my mother’s line of work, she was never far from death, but she never let it harden her heart. She knew every second was precious and chose to spend that time helping others and building communities. She is leaving impossibly large shoes to fill, but thankfully it looks like she rallied an army.
In her honor, please spread kindness, love your neighbors, volunteer, lift up those in need, and make every second count.
I love you, Suzie. Thank you for being the best mother, friend, role model, and absolute legend.”
Gabriel also described his mother’s nurturing spirit, saying she had a gift for caring deeply for everyone around her. He recalled that her garden was blooming with life and color, just like her. He said she spent countless hours guiding young nurses and making sure the children who called her Grandma felt supported and cherished. Gabriel added that her kindness touched everyone she met.
REACH said in its announcement that Smith’s family is establishing a memorial foundation called Our Angel That Flies to continue her legacy. The fund will support nursing scholarships, mission work, and community outreach — all causes close to Smith’s heart.
In a statement, the family thanked the community for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support following her death, saying it has carried them through an incredibly difficult week.
A public Celebration of Life is being planned, where people will have an opportunity to pay their respects.